The construction industry is short hundreds of thousands of workers nationwide, and most contractors feel it daily. Industry surveys show that more than 90% of construction firms struggle to hire, and labor shortages are one of the leading causes of project delays.

When key construction positions stay open for weeks, the real costs go far beyond a few missed hands. Labor shortages contribute to projects running slower, pushing crews into extended hours with overtime rates that can be 50% higher than standard pay  meaning every extra hour costs significantly more than planned. 

Industry data shows unfilled roles can cost contractors an estimated $500 per day in lost revenue for every vacant position. When crews are stretched thin and overtime mounts, budgets erode and schedules slip. This creates a powerful reason for contractors to reassess how they staff jobs and seek labor solutions that keep projects on track before the financial impact becomes thousands or even millions in lost profit.

With demand still high, many contractors are weighing a common question: hire in-house or use a supplemental construction staffing?

Construction Staffing with Laborjack: Reliability, Speed, and Transparency

Temporary construction labor gives contractors a way to respond quickly without long-term commitments. When used correctly, it helps protect schedules and budgets.

Temporary labor works best when:

• Projects ramp up faster than expected
  
  
• Crews need extra hands for material handling or cleanup.
  
  
• Callouts or shortages threaten timelines.
  
  
• Work volume changes week to week.
  
  

With a 98% fill rate, Laborjack helps ensure jobs are fully staffed when they need to be, reducing downtime, limiting overtime, and keeping projects moving forward even when full-time labor is hard to find or not the best option.

Hiring In-House: When It Works (and When It Doesn’t)

Hiring full-time employees makes sense when work is steady and predictable. In-house crews know your standards, your sites, and your expectations. Over time, that consistency can pay off.

But hiring today comes with challenges:

• Long hiring timelines
  
  
• Payroll, benefits, and workers’ comp costs
  
  
• Risk of overstaffing during slow periods
  
  
• Turnover that forces constant rehiring
  
  

For contractors managing fluctuating workloads, keeping headcount perfectly balanced is tough.

The Difference Comes Down to the Staffing Partner

Not all construction staffing solutions are created equal. Laborjack’s temporary labor relies on:

• Workers show up on time and ready to work
  
  
• Clear expectations laid out before the crew arrives
  
  
• Fast response when plans change
  
  

The right temporary labor partner feels like a part of your team, not another jobsite problem to manage.

The Smart Approach: Use Both

Most successful construction companies don’t choose just one staffing option; they build a core in-house team and use temporary labor to handle spikes or call outs. 

This hybrid approach reduces overtime, limits worker burnout, and gives you jobsite flexibility without sacrificing control or quality.

Keep Your Jobs Moving Without Overhiring

Laborjack supports construction companies by providing reliable temporary construction labor that shows up on time, has a great attitude, works hard, and helps keep projects on or ahead of schedule. With fast fill times, transparent pricing, and crews ready to contribute, Laborjack aims to give you peace of mind by providing dependable staffing when you need it most.

Tell us about your project and staffing needs. Our team will follow up quickly to get crews on site.